Tim Sullivan: Chargers' Christmas comes early with gift from the Bills

“It looked like 7-on-7,” linebacker Stephen Cooper said of Rivers' precision against the Bucs. “The wide receivers were doing a good job. The offensive line played great. They kept Philip protected. As long as they do that, Philip is going to sit back and pick any defense apart.”

There is a goofy, gawky quality to Rivers, a tendency to indulge his emotions that causes some to sell him short. But in the most desperate days of their season, the Chargers were able to count on Rivers for consistency. He threw nine touchdown passes over the last three weeks, against one interception.

After the Chargers were airborne yesterday, Rivers roamed up and down the aisle of the airplane, spreading cheer and soliciting updates from public relations assistant Scott Yoffe, who was tuned to a live feed of the Bills-Broncos game.

“It was like we were at the game,” tight end Antonio Gates said after the Chargers landed in San Diego. “Every Denver first down drew a groan. Every big play by Buffalo drew a cheer.”

Earlier, defensive end Jacques Cesaire had been asked if he were prepared to parachute into Denver to be of assistance to the Bills.

“I'd rather just sabotage Denver,” he said, “put a little drop of cyanide in their water.”